DES MOINES, Iowa — As harvest activity increases across Iowa, farmers, livestock producers and motorists are being reminded that getting the job done safely is just as important as getting it done on time.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is urging Iowans to prioritize farm safety, adequate rest and mental health as National Farm Safety and Health Week is observed Sept. 21–25.
The 2026 theme, “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” comes as farmers enter one of the busiest stretches of the agricultural calendar. Harvest can mean long days operating equipment, hauling grain and manure, caring for livestock and moving machinery between fields—all while sharing rural roads with other motorists.
“Harvest is an exciting time of year, but the long hours, heavy equipment and increased activity on our rural roads mean everyone needs to keep safety top of mind,” Naig said.
Naig encouraged farmers to work safely, get adequate rest and watch out for others during the season. He also asked motorists to slow down, eliminate distractions and remain patient when encountering farm equipment.
Farm Equipment and Rural Road Safety
Slow-moving combines, tractors, grain carts, manure equipment and trucks become increasingly common on Iowa roads during the fall.
Drivers are encouraged to maintain a safe following distance and wait for a safe opportunity before passing farm machinery. Large equipment may need additional room to make turns, and visibility around machinery can be limited.
Motorists should also avoid distracted driving and watch carefully for signals from equipment operators.
For farmers, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recommends regularly inspecting machinery and making sure guards, lights, signals and other safety equipment are working properly.
Operators should be properly trained, avoid shortcuts while using machinery and keep emergency equipment readily available, including a stocked first-aid kit, working fire extinguisher and charged cell phone.
Grain Bin and Personal Safety
Grain handling is another area where additional precautions are important during harvest.
Farmers should avoid entering grain bins unless necessary and should only enter with proper training and safety equipment. Producers should never work alone when entering a bin.
Appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles and hearing protection, should also be used when needed. Farm chemicals should remain in their original labeled containers and be handled according to label directions.
Fatigue and Mental Health During Harvest
Safety during harvest extends beyond machinery and equipment.
Long workdays, changing weather, financial pressures and the urgency of completing fall work can contribute to fatigue and stress. The department is encouraging farmers and agricultural workers to prioritize sleep, take short breaks during long days and make time for activities that help manage stress.
“The stress and economic pressures facing agriculture can also take a toll, so I encourage farmers and ag workers to check in on family, friends and neighbors and reach out when help is needed,” Naig said.
“A safe and successful harvest means everyone makes it home at the end of the day.”
Farmers experiencing stress or needing someone to talk with can contact the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-447-1985 for confidential support and resources.
Your Life Iowa provides assistance related to mental health, alcohol, drugs, gambling and suicidal thoughts at 855-581-8111 or by text at 855-895-8398.
Anyone needing immediate crisis support can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
National Farm Safety and Health Week is held annually to draw attention to the safety and health challenges faced by farmers, farm families and agricultural workers.
As combines, trucks and farm equipment move into fields and onto rural roads this fall, the message for both farmers and motorists is simple: slow down, stay alert and make safety part of every job.
Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
